Introduction

Late February of 2012 Mark was diagnosed with stage 4 Metastatic Melanoma Cancer. This is written for our family and friends who have so caringly expressed a desire to know of the current situation. We so appreciate the love and support that has been shown to us and we lovingly empathize with and pray for many of you that have had or are currently going through trials of your own. In love, hope and faith, Mark and Ane

Thursday, November 28, 2019

3-5% on the Bell Curve

Initially Mark had about a 3-5% chance of survival.  Once Mark said to Dr Urba, "That's over a 95% chance of death!" Very quickly, Dr. Urba responded, "Yes, but YOU could be the one to hit it out of the ball park!"  And in many ways he has!  His response to the different cancer treatments has always been incredible.  

 This time Mark is in the 3-5% range of patients who have the most severe side effects to the immunotherapy drug combination, Yervoy/Opdivo.  He got not only the infected Pituitary gland, but also Colitis, as well as challenges with the Prednisone.  Oh boy!  BUT, there is a positive side to this.  His immune system has reacted aggressively which means it is also likely fighting those nasty cancer cells!  Of course, that's what we're hoping for -- the immune system to eradicate the cancer. 

 He had to stay in the hospital one more day, so he missed Thanksgiving Dinner with the family, but that's okay.  We definitely didn't want to take him home until he was ready. There has been significant improvement today so the doctor is optimistic that tomorrow could be the day.  

 We have so much to be thankful for!! 
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2 comments:

  1. BrianNovember 29, 2019 at 1:45 PM

    Ane and Mark - We've been thinking about you guys over the holiday and caught up on your blog yesterday. Sounds like you are handling this newest round of treatment just as you have through the whole ordeal - positively! Got nostalgic reading about Mark building a spreadsheet to manage his meds. Remind him of when we had to go to lunch just to get one run on the acquisition model back in the Dark Ages of computing. :~) I was listening to a podcast interview with Sir James Dyson recently. He was talking about innovation but what he said certainly applies to life ... "I’ve learned that ... when you feel like giving up is precisely the point everybody else is giving up. So it’s at that point that you must put in extra effort. You do that and then success is literally around the corner.” Stay positive and know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
    God Bless. Brian and Lynn

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  2. Mark and AneDecember 11, 2019 at 4:54 AM

    Thanks Brian! It is amazing how quickly things can change, sometimes harder, but often so quickly they go good. It is so good the hear from you. We love you guys. We feel his blessings.
    Mark and Ane

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